Choosing Strobes for S&S MDX-D300

Hi guys,

as a follow on from a topic I posted a few days ago...am considering switching from my Ikelite D300 housing to a S&S MDX-D300.

As I already have 2x DS-125, I have a few quick questions that I hope you can comment on. [Note I read the sticky on DS125 vs Inon 220 which didn't actually help me make my mind up over which strobe I'd actually want, except smaller is better given approx the same power output (an no, lets not get into *that* debate again about what is power etc etc ]

1. Anyone use Ike 125s with the MDX-D300 ? What TTL convertor is available?

2. I've not really considered the S&S YS250 before...again any experiences of note?

3. Is the colour cast with the Inons really as noticeable as I assume from what I've read - would be be a Photoshop job to adjust the colour cast or simply setting up a custom WB to deal with the lower temp?

Assuming I can trade in/sell my Ike housing and ports, the upgrade to the MDX-D300 and new ports is still pricey. I may prefer to keep using the 125s rather than invest in new strobes, but then again if I get a good price for the 2nd hand Ikelites then the upgrade cost could be less painful...ahhh, hear the internal voice of persuasion that we all hear from time to time at work...

Any suggestions?

Thanks

Steve

Hi Steve,

I think your going to really like the new S&S housing. As to the strobes, I'm using the YS-250's and love the things. I am most impressed by the stunningly short recycle times when shooting fish and macro at less than full power. Having said that, if i was you I'd think seriously about keeping the 125's and buying better glass (not sure what you have) or better yet write a check to a nice boat and spend the money diving. Totally depends on your ability to stimulate the economy.

Have fun,

Steve

1) yes, my friend does this, Ikelite has an external TTL converter available

2) I've held them, they are larger and heavier than the ds-125's, which are larger and heavier than the Z-240s

3) I just bought a pair of Z-240's, please tell me more what you read about a color cast. They have a slightly higher color temp (cooler) than the ike DS-125's.

1) yes, my friend does this, Ikelite has an external TTL converter available

 

2) I've held them, they are larger and heavier than the ds-125's, which are larger and heavier than the Z-240s

Correct. I've used Ikelites since the beginning of time. I switched to Inon Z240s several years back, which I used with Sea & Sea TTL converter. I have since switched back to Ikelite DS125's.

I actually preferred the color temp of the Inons. The mix of ambient and strobe lit areas worked much better for me than Ikelite. The Ikelites are bigger, less reliable. I prefer charging Ikelite batteries than messing with a billion AA batteries. The Inons required me to use diffusers. The 1.5 stop diffusers were often necessary and sometimes both stacked. This made them less powerful than the Ikelites.

I recommend keeping and using the Ikelites. Don't bother switching until you come up with a good reason.

Thanks for the comments.

Steve: I agree that ditching the DS-125s is a hard decision. they've worked generally Ok and the big battery packs do last a long time...longer than my tank anyway!! The only reason right now would be (a) size and (b) if they had a technical compatibility problem with the MDX-D300 housing and © trade up cost net of selling my stuff wasn't *too* painful

As for glass. I just picked up a Nikon 10.5mm fisheye and havethe Nikon 60mm and 105mm micro nikkors. For WA I use my Tokina 12-24 which I had for land photography, although I used the Tokina 11-16 f2.8 last week at the DCIM fair here in KL which was pretty nice. Am stuck between getting that or upgrading to 105 to the VR version.

I have a bunch of other land lens (and used the Nikon 50mm f1.4 portrait lens a while back with some reasonable results on a few dives in Thailand).

On the whole though I agree that (a) spend money on diving rather than chasing the mythical ultimate rig (b) spend money on diving to use what I have and © spend money on diving cos I live in Malaysia and Sipadan/Mabul/Lembeh etc are just a few hrs away. My flight over to Tawau fromKL is only cost me $75 all in from KL - Air Asia - although they do stiff you for baggage.